Grace Engelbrecht from the Parma Public Library invited members of the Hilton Lions Club to conduct youth eye screening at the library during winter break. Using a Welch Allyn Spot camera, the Lions were able to screen for defects such as Myopia (nearsightedness), Hyperopia (farsightedness), Anisometropia (unequal refractive power), Astigmatism (irregular eye shape) and Strabismus (eye misalignment). The camera is held about three feet from a child’s face and an image is captured in seconds. The parents were immediately informed as to whether the child “passed” this screening or should be seen by an eye care professional.
Guided by the fact that 80% of a child’s learning and development requires healthy, corrected vision, these free screening are very important. Dr. Edward Cordes, National Chairman of the SEE (Screening Eyes Early) program, has stated that a screening event that has one child identified for further care is a success, and using the $7,000 camera, the Hilton Lions Club members found two.
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